Can CBD Help Me Sleep Better?
May
Issues with sleep are extremely common common, and millions of Americans experience some form of sleep disturbance or trouble. Increasingly these individuals are turning to CBD, or cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound found in the oil of hemp plants. High CBD hemp oil has been found to have several unique benefits including reducing feelings of tension and overwhelm, easing discomfort and supporting soothing effects. Because of these benefits, CBD as well as other cannabinoids including CBN (cannabinol) have risen in popularity as natural forms of sleep support.
Reader’s Digest: How One Woman Used CBD Oil to Sleep Better and Beat Insomnia
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. Cannabis plants, both hemp and marijuana, contain phytocannabinoids, which give cannabis its therapeutic properties. Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids. However, CBD doesn’t have the same photoactive effects as THC. In fact, studies have shown that CBD may actually counteract some of the side effects of THC.
How does CBD work?
CBD, as well as other cannabinoids, works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system. Essentially, the endocannabinoid system (or ECS) keeps various internal functions running effectively and smoothly. It regulates how your body controls metabolism, sleep, cognition, nerve function and more.
The ECS involves three main parts:
- Endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are similar to phytocannabinoids, but they’re made by your body. The main function of endocannabinoids is to restore balance or maintain homeostasis within the body so the body only releases them when it needs them.
- Receptors. Once the body releases endocannabinoids, they bind to cannabinoid receptors to let the ECS know it has work to do. CB1 receptors are mostly located in your central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are mostly located in your peripheral nervous system.
- Enzymes. After the endocannabinoids complete their function, enzymes break them down.
Researching surrounding cannabinoids and how exactly they interact with our bodies is really just beginning. We still have a lot more to learn, like how exactly CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors. Researchers have found that THC binds to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors, but CBD doesn’t function in the same way. Some scientists believe CBD actually blocks the breakdown of endocannabinoids, and as a result, increases their benefits. Others believe it binds to unoccupied CB1 and CB2 receptors. Another theory is that there is another receptor that scientists have yet to discover.
Regardless of the specific way CBD works with our ECS, researchers and consumers alike have reported numerous positive effects related to this relationship.
Can CBD help with sleep?
Unlike other cannabinoids like THC or CBN, CBD doesn’t work immediately and it doesn’t necessarily have sedative properties. Rather, it works with your body to target the causes of your sleeplessness like tension, discomfort, and feelings of overwhelm. It’s better to think of CBD as less of a bandaid that covers up the issue you’re experiencing, and more as a natural way to get to the root of it. For this reason those who take CBD consistently often find they sleep better than those who see it as a one-time fix.
Can CBD help with feelings of overwhelm?
When your body is under stress, it releases a hormone called cortisol. Typically, we naturally have increased cortisol during the day. However, people dealing with tension and overwhelm may have higher… cortisol at night. That being said, CBD shows promise when it comes to supporting healthy levels of the stress hormone. Researchers have found that CBD may help support healthy cortisol level. A study done in 2019 examining CBD’s effects on tension and sleep also showed positive results. 79% of patients reported a decrease in feelings of tension while 66% reported support for sleep in the first month.
Can CBD Help With discomfort?
A 2018 review of studies conducted between 1975 and March 2018 concluded that CBD proves promising for easing feelings of discomfort with the additional benefit of having little to no side effects. On top of that, researchers have also found that the body has both CB1 and CB2 receptors in its immune cells, which help support our inflammatory response.
While data regarding CBD’s capabilities as a sleep aid isn’t necessarily conclusive, existing research, as well as consumer experience, shows promise. As scientists complete more research, we’ll likely learn far more on top of CBD’s growing list of benefits. For now, if you’re curious about how CBD might help you sleep, it’s worth trying for yourself but always remember to consult your doctor before trying a new supplement.
What is the best CBD product for sleeping?
CBD comes in many types, forms and strains. Even at Blue Forest Farms, many of our products will help you get a better night sleep. To get started, working in daily CBD into your routine will give your endocannabinoid system daily support and get you going on the right path to better sleep. Consider incorporating a product like our CBD soft gels, delicious gummies, or full spectrum oil into your routine to build the strong base for your endocannabinoid system.
But the real heavy hitter in the better sleep game is our specifically formulated CBN Advanced Formula 06 Dream Tincture. This formula is specifically designed to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. To gain the benefits of both a strong baseline boost to your endocannabinoid system and CBN, consider the Blue Forest Farms Sleep Combo Pack. Read below to learn more about CBN.
What is CBN and can it help me sleep better?
While THC and CBD are the most well known compounds found in hemp plants, CBN or cannabinol is one that should be on your radar if you’re interested in better sleep. CBN is formed when THC breaks down, however, it is non-intoxicating. It is believed that similarly to THC, CBN works by binding to the CB1 receptors. CBN products that are mixed with CBD also highlight the entourage effect, which refers to the idea that cannabinoids and other compounds like terpenes work synergistically. Each cannabinoid has their own set of unique effects, but these effects can be altered when the cannabinoids are combined.
Can CBD Be Used With Other Natural Sleep Aids?
CBD isn’t a drug. It doesn’t conflict with natural sleep aids like melatonin, passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile, or valerian root. If you like to snuggle up with a warm cup of sleepy-time tea at night, you don’t have to give up your mug. CBD can safely be used in conjunction with other natural ingredients like calming herbs.
You should avoid using CBD, especially broad-spectrum CBD, in conjunction with over-the-counter sleep aids like products containing diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an allergy medication with drowsiness as a common side effect, and it’s been Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for use as a sleep aid due to this side effect.
If you use something soothing in conjunction with something that’s designed to make you drowsy, the sensation can be too overwhelming. These effects can clash with the effects of CBD and cause excessive sleepiness. It’s best to stick with one or the other and speak with your healthcare provider before deciding.
How To Use CBD Oil for Sleep
High-quality CBD oil for sleep gets to work rather quickly. Place a dropper full of full-spectrum CBD underneath your tongue and hold it for about 60 seconds. The CBD will absorb into the soft tissue underneath your tongue, allowing it to reach your bloodstream sooner. Use your CBD oil about 30 minutes before bedtime.
How To Use CBD Sleep Gummies
CBD edibles like sleep gummies take a little longer to work. Your body has to digest and process the gummy to access the CBD. This can take anywhere between one to two hours, depending on how much you’ve eaten and how recently you had your bedtime snack. If you’re having a late dinner, it may be a good idea to use your CBD gummy before you eat.
If you don’t eat close to bedtime, use your CBD gummy at the very beginning of your bedtime routine. It should kick in by the time you’re all tucked in.
Use CBD in Conjunction With Good Nighttime Habits
CBD can help you relax at nighttime. It can’t keep you from scrolling through your phone or staying awake for “just one more episode” of the show you’re currently binge-watching. Turn off your screens at least an hour before bedtime to help your body get ready for sleep. If you need a gentle activity to help you unwind, try reading a book or doing some yoga.
Keep your room nice and cool. If you can hear outside noises, a fan or a white noise machine can help filter them out. Heavy curtains can keep out bright lights that may be distracting.
You should also set a strict bedtime. The only way to ensure you get a good night’s sleep is to go to sleep at least seven hours before your wake time.
The Final Word on CBD for Sleep
CBD can be a helpful addition to your bedtime routine if you need a little help winding down at the end of a long day. Many people prefer it as a natural alternative to over-the-counter sleep aids, especially if they only need some relaxation support. Always use your CBD in conjunction with good habits to promote restful sleep.
Sources:
What Are Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency? | NHLBI, NIH
The Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep | PMC
What Is Sleep Hygiene? | Sleep Foundation
